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Trans filmmaker Sam Feder's latest film "Increased Examination" presents a compelling two-part perspective – simultaneously an emotional portrait of a key transgender activist and a pointed examination of journalistic coverage surrounding transgender rights.

Judicial Struggle at the Highest Court

This documentary documents ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he gets ready for oral arguments in the important highest court case the Skirmetti case. This legal battle occurred in December 2024, with the judiciary eventually ruling in support of Tennessee's case, essentially permitting restrictions on healthcare for transgender young people to stay in effect across numerous US territories.

We produced Heightened Scrutiny in merely 16 months, stated Feder during a conversation. By contrast, my previous film Disclosure took me five years, so this was quite rushed. Our goal was to stimulate conversation so people would know more about the case.

Personal Story Amid Political Struggle

While Feder provides a comprehensive critique of how prominent news organizations have promoted anti-trans rhetoric, the film's primary contribution may be its compelling depiction of Strangio. Typically a reserved attorney in media appearances, Strangio reveals his authenticity throughout the production.

This represented a significant challenge, to share aspects of my life to a filmmaker that I had made efforts to keep personal, shared Strangio. Sam explained he wanted the next generation to know that we struggled, to see what was done in defense of these battles for our material survival.

Varied Voices in the Movement

To support Strangio's story, Feder features various transgender advocates, including well-known figures from activism and the arts. The documentary also presents insights from cisgender advocates who examine how respected media outlets have added to damaging coverage of trans people.

The perspective of trans minors central to the legal case is shown through a remarkable 12-year-old girl named Mila. Viewers first see her advocating for her peers at a educational meeting, with subsequent scenes showing her protesting for transgender rights outside the Supreme Court.

Personal Scenes Beyond the Legal Battle

This film also includes poignant moments where Feder transcends the never-ending legal battle, such as sequences of Strangio vacationing in Italy and receiving a body art featuring lines from activist Pauli Murray's poem "Vision."

The tattoo scene is one of my preferred parts in the movie, shared Strangio. Getting inked is practically like a meditative experience for me, to be totally engaged in my body and to think of it as a vessel for things that are meaningful to me.

Body Identity and Portrayal

The filmmaker's dedication to lovingly documenting Strangio getting to his body art highlights that Heightened Scrutiny is fundamentally about transgender physical selves – not only those of young people who face denial of their right to live truly in their own bodies, but also the physical forms of the numerous participants who are featured in the film.

I produce films with a meaning, and part of that is choosing people who are brilliant and eloquent enough to hold the camera, shared Feder. When people ask me what they should dress for an interview, my response is anything that makes you feel attractive. That is crucial to me – as trans people, we face challenges so much with our self-perception.

Impact and Hope

A key aspect that causes Feder's works excel is his evident ability for making his transgender interviewees feel comfortable, seen and appreciated. This approach creates real rapport between Feder and Strangio, helping the filmmaker to achieve his aim of portraying Strangio as a multifaceted individual and providing a record for posterity of how resiliently he and others have struggled for transgender rights.

I hope not people to find themselves in a place of incessant discouragement because of what the law is failing to provide us, explained Strangio. I want to be in a process of using the law to minimize harm, but not to turn it into some type of pathway for our freedom potential. State bodies is not going to be the mirror through which we see ourselves. Our community are that reflection, and it's very important that we continue having that conversation alongside conversations about pushing against these policies and practices.

This significant film is currently obtainable for online viewing during Trans Awareness Week and will receive a wider release at a future date.